Change is inevitable – after all, nothing really stays the same. But in today’s challenging times, it seems like we’re on “uncertainty” overload, never knowing what will happen from one moment to the next.
Uncertainty brings stress and confusion, and while most of us would be quick to say that we want less stress and more certainty in our lives, what we really want is less of a stress reaction to what life is throwing our way.
We can’t choose what happens to us – but we can choose our responses to the situations we encounter. Take a look at two common responses we might have to stressful situations.
Suffer and Avoid: Unfortunately, all too common response to stressful events is to suffer. People who respond this way acknowledge the stressor yet don’t take action. Things happen TO them – and though they may complain and feel miserable about it, they don’t take any steps to do anything. They allow life to affect them, rather than the other way around. This method of responding is certainly not recommended, and eventually, it will take its toll on our physical and mental health.
People responding this way make a decision not to get involved in a situation don’t believe they can make an impact or perhaps ignore the situation altogether.
Activate and Adapt: Someone with this response will begin taking action to bring resolution (or at least move toward resolution). This is a very powerful response that many effective leaders employ.
People responding to stress this way alter the experience of the situation. When we look at the situation differently, the experience itself changes. Changing our lens is probably the most challenging of the response options because we tend to be stuck in our own interpretations and assumptions about what’s happening, but it is also perhaps the most powerful of all.
It’s your world, and you can create it as you wish. Remember, what one person perceives as stressful, another barely notices, or sees as exciting and full of opportunity. Change is inevitable, suffering is optional. Change your mindset to experience more fulfilling experiences.
How will you choose to respond to what life throws your way today?